(BPT) – When winter approaches, many homeowners brace themselves for colder temperatures and higher heating bills. While a warm cup of cocoa and a cozy blanket are great ways to stay toasty, it’s equally essential to winterize windows so you are well prepared for the cold season. Follow these four vital steps to insulate a window effectively against the winter chill.
1. Home Window Frame Inspection
Start with a thorough inspection of your window frames. Check for any visible gaps, cracks, or damage in the frames. These imperfections can let cold air seep into your home, making it harder to keep warm.
To kickstart planning window repairs or replacement, Modernize Home Services provides a no-cost window frame tool that proposes the best window frame types for your environment and shows typical cost ranges for each.
2. Window Glass Inspection
In addition to the frames, it’s important to inspect your window glass. Cracked or damaged glass can lead to heat loss and drafty areas in your home. Ensure there are no visible issues with the window glass, such as cracks, holes, or condensation between panes.
To understand which types of window glass may be optimal for your location and needs, Modernize’s no-cost-to-use window glass tool recommends glass types that best address the requirements you specify.
3. Options for Insulating Home Windows
There are several effective methods to seal your windows for the winter, including:
- Silicone Sealant: After removing existing cracked or damaged window caulk, apply silicone sealant around window panes.
- Foam Tape: If you detected air leaks near the sides of your windows, try placing adhesive foam tape around the edges of each window sash to shore up small gaps.
- Window Film: Insulation film is a transparent, heat-shrinking plastic sheet you can apply to your windows. It creates an insulating barrier to reduce drafts.
- Thermal Curtains: Heavy, thermal curtains can help trap heat and reduce heat loss through windows.
For a more detailed guide on how to insulate a window effectively, you can read up on Weatherizing Your Windows and learn how to seal a window for winter.
4. How to Know if It’s Worth It to Buy New Windows
While techniques to insulate a window can improve your home’s warmth to a degree, there may come a time when investing in new windows becomes the most cost-effective and long-term solution. A professional contractor with window replacement expertise can help you determine the most practical and cost-effective solution.
Winter can also be a good time to save money on window replacements by taking advantage of seasonal promotions and reduced material costs.
Winterize Windows Now
Preparing your windows for the winter season is a smart move that can keep your home warm and your energy bills in check. Consider whether you can safely inspect your own windows and whether you are comfortable attempting to seal a window for winter on your own.
If you spot window frame or window glass defects or are unsure about the condition of your windows, Modernize.com can help you locate a windows contractor by matching you with a windows professional in your area.
With well-insulated windows, you can keep the winter chill outside where it belongs and enjoy a warm, comfortable home throughout the season.
